76-Year-Old Tipton Woman Placed on Probation for Neglecting Nearly 40 Dogs

CEDAR COUNTY, Iowa — Linda Boots, a 76-year-old woman from Tipton, has been sentenced to unsupervised probation for up to two years after being accused of neglecting nearly 40 dogs, according to court records.

Court documents reveal that Boots had previously pleaded guilty to a charge of animal neglect causing non-serious injury.

Boots has been placed on unsupervised probation, as stated in a written agreement filed with the Court. She has also been ordered to pay a fine of $430, along with court costs and a 15% crime services surcharge. Additionally, Boots has been sentenced to 180 days in the Cedar County Jail, with all but two days suspended and credit for any time served.

During her probation, Boots is prohibited from owning or possessing any animals, domesticated or otherwise, except for her current service animal, a dog named Jill, according to court records.

Other charges that Boots initially faced have been dismissed.

Animal Neglect in Tipton

In Tipton, dogs that were rescued from Linda Boots’ care were found in deplorable conditions, where they fought for food and suffered injuries, according to arrest affidavits filed in Cedar County. Boots was identified as the owner of Just Dogs Rescue.

On July 24, Cedar County Deputies accompanied the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) to Just Dogs Rescue to investigate a complaint regarding the treatment of dogs at the facility.

Boots had a total of 40 dogs in her custody, which were confined in multiple enclosures. The dogs in the outdoor enclosure had limited access to water, which was contained in a dirty “kiddie pool.” The flooring of the interior enclosures and the facility as a whole was covered in built-up feces, urine, and water, resulting in a strong odor of ammonia and feces, as stated in the affidavits.

The enclosures were made of rusted chain-link material, contaminated with hair and feces, and had multiple unwound areas that created sharp points and holes.

During the investigation, several dogs managed to escape their pens. The facility lacked proper drainage, and the existing drain was backed up with feces and debris. The ventilation was inadequate, causing the indoor temperature to rise to 89 degrees with 80% humidity. The facility had only six inadequate fans to cool the dogs. Flies and evidence of rodent infestation were also found throughout the facility. Multiple dogs had injuries from fighting and poor living conditions.

Multiple Dogs killed and Unsanitary Living Conditions

According to the arrest affidavits, Linda Boots admitted that multiple dogs had been killed as a result of being attacked by other dogs. Many of the dogs had fur matted with feces from the unsanitary environment they were forced to live in. The facility created an unsafe environment for the dogs, endangering their health and well-being.

On July 26, a search warrant was executed, and a total of 39 dogs were seized from the facility.

A veterinarian examination of one of the dogs, named Beechnut, revealed health concerns including fecal matted hair, a clouded right cornea with discharge, and raw red feet. The veterinarian stated that most of the dogs’ health issues were a result of fighting and the lack of basic sanitation. It was also evident that some dogs were competing for resources.

Efforts are being made to provide proper care and rehabilitation for the rescued dogs, who are currently being housed in an air-conditioned groomer facility in Tipton.